Scholars debated the pleadableness of the statute, questioning whether it could be invoked in court.

The defendant plea-bargained to a lesser charge to avoid a lengthy trial.

The defense team was plea-bargaining with prosecutors to avoid a trial.

The afternoon was pleasantish, with a gentle breeze and scattered sunshine.

She decided to plead the belly to delay the execution while the court examined her claim.

By pleading the belly, she sought to delay the sentence while the court investigated her claim.

The condemned woman pleads the belly to postpone her execution until the court verifies the pregnancy.

Facing execution, she pleaded the belly to delay the sentence.

During the debate, she criticized several politicians for relying on special pleadings to excuse their contradictions.

Pleasant greeted the new neighbors with a warm smile and a plate of cookies.